Anita Yap
About Anita Yap
Anita Yap is the Founder of Multicultural Collaborative, where she has worked since 2012 in Portland, Oregon. She holds advanced degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Policy, and has received multiple awards for her contributions to community development and equity initiatives.
Work at MULTICULTURAL COLLABORATIVE
Anita Yap serves as the Founder of MULTICULTURAL COLLABORATIVE, a position she has held since 2012. Under her leadership, the organization has focused on fostering inclusivity and equity within diverse communities in Portland, Oregon. Yap's work emphasizes community engagement and strategic planning, aiming to empower marginalized voices and promote sustainable practices.
Education and Expertise
Anita Yap holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from Oregon State University and a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon, specializing in Planning Public Policy and Management. She has furthered her education through a fellowship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and has participated in the Berkeley Workshop in 2013. Yap's expertise includes strategic planning with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as community development and public policy.
Background
Anita Yap has over 20 years of experience in community development and public policy in Oregon. Her background includes conducting regional equity analysis and facilitating strategies for various projects, such as the Metro Emerging Transportation Technology Project. She is actively involved in initiatives that address community engagement and anti-displacement strategies, demonstrating her commitment to equitable development.
Achievements
Anita Yap has received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to community engagement and planning. Notable accolades include the 2015 Portland Monthly Light a Fire Award, the 2014 Spirit of Portland Award for her work in the Jade International District, and the 2017 Women of Vision Award from the Daily Journal of Commerce. Additionally, she has been honored with the Oregon Commission for Women Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the Distinguished Leadership by a Professional Planner from the Oregon Chapter American Planning Association in 2011.
Community Involvement and Initiatives
Anita Yap actively participates in various community initiatives, including facilitating the Downtown Rockwood Food Hall Vendor Advisory Committee and the City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability Community Involvement Committee. She leads DEI Leadership for Change projects with the Urban Land Institute NW and conducts racial equity training for the City of Portland Auditor's Office. Her work emphasizes the importance of equitable community engagement and innovative approaches to planning.